Caesar Salad

Caesar Salad is a timeless classic that brings together crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy homemade croutons, fresh parmesan, and a bold, tangy dressing. With its simple yet elegant presentation, it makes the perfect starter, side, or even a light main dish. The garlicky flavor and creamy texture of the dressing tie all the elements together in this iconic salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Caesar Salad is all about fresh ingredients and bold flavor. The homemade croutons are golden and crisp, the dressing is sharp with garlic and lemon, and the freshly grated parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish. It’s quick to prepare, requires only pantry-friendly ingredients, and can be served on its own or topped with grilled vegetables or chickpeas for a more substantial meal. It’s a classic done right—fresh, simple, and satisfying.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Croutons:

• 1/2 French baguette, sliced 1/4″ thick

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 small cloves)

• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

For the Caesar Dressing:

• 2 small garlic cloves, minced

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 1/2 teaspoons red vinegar

• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to serve)

For the Salad:

• 1 large romaine lettuce (or 2 small heads), chopped

• 1/3 cup shredded or shaved parmesan cheese

directions

1. Make the Croutons:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet.
   In a small bowl, mix the olive oil and minced garlic, then drizzle over the bread.
   Sprinkle with grated parmesan, toss to coat evenly, and arrange in a single layer.
   Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Let cool.

2. Make the Dressing:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red vinegar.
   Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is emulsified.
   Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Salad:
   Rinse, dry, and chop the romaine lettuce.
   In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine, shredded or shaved parmesan, and the cooled croutons.
   Drizzle with the Caesar dressing and toss gently until evenly coated.
   Finish with an extra grind of black pepper, if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Calories per serving: 290 kcal

Variations

• Add Protein: Top with grilled tofu, crispy chickpeas, or a handful of roasted nuts.

• Add Greens: Mix in kale or arugula for added texture and flavor.

• Cheese Swap: Use shaved pecorino or nutritional yeast for a twist or dairy-free option.

• Garlic Boost: Add roasted garlic to the dressing for a sweeter, milder garlic flavor.

• Crunch Alternatives: Substitute croutons with roasted chickpeas or crushed seeded crackers.

storage/reheating

Storage:
Store dressing separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Assembled salad is best enjoyed fresh, but components can be prepped in advance.

Reheating:
Croutons can be reheated in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp if needed.

FAQs

Can I make the Caesar dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Is Caesar Salad traditionally made with anchovies?

This version omits anchovies but still delivers classic Caesar flavor using Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce.

Can I use store-bought croutons?

Yes, but homemade croutons add a fresh, garlicky crunch that elevates the dish.

Is romaine the only lettuce that works?

Romaine is traditional, but kale or a romaine-spinach mix works well too.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes, use vegan Worcestershire, plant-based cheese, and skip or replace the croutons with a vegan alternative.

What’s a good substitute for Dijon mustard?

Stone-ground or yellow mustard can work, though the flavor will be milder.

How do I keep my lettuce crisp?

Dry the lettuce thoroughly after rinsing and store in the fridge with a paper towel to absorb moisture.

Can I use pre-shredded parmesan?

Freshly shredded or shaved parmesan is best for texture and flavor, but pre-shredded can be used in a pinch.

Is this salad kid-friendly?

Yes, especially if you go easy on the garlic and pepper. Serve dressing on the side for picky eaters.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free bread for the croutons or substitute with crunchy seeds or roasted nuts.

Conclusion

This Caesar Salad is a crisp, creamy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect as a starter or light entrée. With homemade croutons, a bold and zesty dressing, and plenty of fresh parmesan, it captures everything we love about the classic. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser at any table.

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